Last week, I discussed having a “fixed” or “growth” mindset. A big part of the reason many of us have “fixed” mindsets is because we are afraid of making mistakes. We think we will look stupid if we actually admit that we made a mistake and therefore, we cover them up at all costs. If we turn that thinking around and embrace the fact that mistakes are an opportunity to learn, we can actually open up our minds to learn and start to have more of a “growth” mindset! We need to remember that perfection in this life does not exist. Only God is perfect. If you were perfect, Jesus wouldn’t exist in the first place! We all make mistakes. Some more costly than others. We all do things we shouldn’t. We all say things we shouldn’t say. But no matter where we are in our Christian walk, when we make these mistakes, we can turn to the Bible for answers to remedy the situation.
1 John 1:9 (NLT)
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
So, What… for This Week?
God can take our mistakes, our pain, and use it for His good. Seasons of suffering are not for nothing. They will grow you. They will shape you. They will allow you to experience God’s comfort and compassion. In fact, you will find life-giving purpose and meaning when you allow God to take your painful experiences and comfort you and others at the same time. You will be able to share a unique hope because you know exactly what it feels like to be them. God wants us to learn from our mistakes, and then use those lessons for the Kingdom.